Celebrate the life and times of Mardi Gras Event Center owner Lydia Merrill on her 100th birthday. Merrill and her now deceased husband, Orson, bought the building in 1958. Merrill continues to run it as an event center and concert hall where local and national acts have rocked over the years. Now, she wants to see people dance and enjoy the Mardi Gras vibe with the Blues Brothers’ Rock and Soul Revue as part of her celebration. Sunday in Explore: Even at 100, Merrill is far from retiring, columnist Tim Woodward writes.